Agenda and minutes

It was moved by Councillor Williams, seconded by Councillor Mullaney and

RESOLVED – the minutes of the meeting held on 13 March be confirmed as a correct record.

No interests were declared.

To provide an update on performance management arrangements.

Members were updated on work that had been undertaken to update the performance management framework.

In response to a question on benchmarking, it was noted that performance was benchmarked where possible but not all authorities monitored and reported on performance indicators in the same way.

It was requested that, as part of the next quarterly report, all indicators be included not only those that were not being achieved.

To deliver the annual review of the housing service.

The key activities and performance of the housing service was presented to members, including the areas of anti-social behaviour, rents, tenancy management, housing repairs and older persons’ services.

In response to members’ questions, the following points were noted:

·         The cost of living crisis was having an impact on rent arrears

·         Welfare reforms had also contributed to rent arrears

·         A programme for rollout of the change from analogue to digital for the lifeline service was planned

·         Work was underway to understand the health of the housing stock

·         Demand for adaptations had increased.

It was requested that a breakdown of housing applications be provided by type of housing (over 55s and families for example).

The housing service teams were thanked for their hard work.

To inform members of the draft financial outturn for 2022/23.

Consideration was given to the draft financial outturn for 2022/23. It was noted that business rates growth had meant that use of the financial support reserve had not been required at the expected level but future pressures would depend on the timing of the business rates reset and the outcome of the fair funding review. The report was noted.

To update members on the council’s treasury management activity in the third and fourth quarters of 2022/23.

Members were updated on the treasury management activity for 2022/23. The report was noted.

To inform members of business rates performance for 2022/23.

Members were informed of business rates performance for 2022/23. In response to a question, it was noted that the CARF relief wouldn’t be awarded again, but retail relief would be continuing. The report was noted.

To update members on sundry debts for 2022/23.

The sundry debts position for 2022/23 was presented to members. In response to a member’s question, it was noted that the debts that had been rescheduled into a payment plan amounted to £411,312. The report was noted.

The work programme was noted.